New Caanan CT
The town of New Canaan won the BulletWorks Publicity Contest in a random drawing March 2nd. The $1000 cash prize will be put towards the renovation of the Waveny Lodge, a historic cottage and future sports recreation center which will serve, among other things, as a “paddle hut” for local players. full story

The town won this prize money due to the efforts of Ann Lobdell, Chairperson of the New Canaan Women’s Platform Tennis League and Chairperson of the Waveny Lodge Renovation Fund. The winning entry, an article titled “Fall Paddle Champs Crowned,” appeared in the New Canaan Advertiser on December 29th, 2005.

The BulletWorks publicity contest was announced in September of 2005. Deadline for entries was March 1st, 2006 – at the end of the platform tennis season. The winner, chosen at random from all eligible entries received was given the choice of either $1000 cash or $3000 to be put towards court maintenance or improvement. Ms. Lobdell chose the cash to put towards the lodge renovation.

"We have entered into a public/private partnership with our Town to renovate Waveny Lodge located adjacent to our four community platform tennis courts. We are raising two-thirds of the capital privately and the Town will contribute the rest. We have raised over half of the necessary funds to date. Winning the BulletWorks publicity contest brings us closer to our goal," said Lobdell.

BulletWorks Business Manager Jacki Brown announced that they will again hold the contest for the 2006-07 season. “It has always been my believe that good publicity is the best way to grow the sport of platform tennis. Besides, editorial coverage is free – it just takes a little work. With five eligible entries (and many more which didn’t meet contest criteria) Ann did a phenomenal service for her community.”

Others whose efforts resulted in getting articles published were: Bob Callaway on behalf of the Wee Burn Country Club and Caryl Swain on behalf of the Englewood Field Club. Even though they didn’t win, they helped spread the word about the often under-appreciated sport.

BulletWorks urges all players to review contest rules on www.bwplatformtennis.com and plan on entering the contest next season.